Create Streaming Flash Video

Just as there is a multitude of file formats that can be streamed, there is a multitude of different tools to use. These pages discuss some of the main tools for creating Flash Video, as well as things to keep in mind during the production process.

Creating Flash Video - Basics of video production; samples of good and bad uses of the technology; Using RealProducer

Creating Flash Video

Any camcorder can be used to create the original footage, but there are many things to keep in mind when videotaping. We recommend an appointment at the ITL to discuss your plans and needs and to get valuable production tips before wasting time and nerves. A videocamera can also be borrowed from the ITL for a few days.

RealVideo can then be created with the free Adobe Flash Media Encoder, either by recording directly from videotape or camcorder ( Dazzle USB capture device), or by converting a pre-existing digital video file in Quicktime (.mov) or Video for Windows (.avi) format. To get digital video, one needs to first capture the video (i.e. convert it to digital format) via a quality video capture card (as available at the ITL). This latter method is required if you need to edit the clip before the conversion to streaming format.

Quality vs. Bandwidth

The number one issue in streaming video is the quality tradeoff enforced by bandwidth limitations. The encoder needs to sacrifice part of the image data to transmit video files through a narrow pipe.

Unacceptable over modems: even at the smallest standard size of 160x120 pixels, video at modem speeds is unacceptably jerky and diffuse. The only tolerable application is a very still talking head, but even there a good image with narration works better.

DSL or cable modem allow reasonable quality: at bandwidths of 220 or 150kbps, a cable modem allows quite good video.

High quality demands switched ethernet: high quality video can be achieved at bandwidths of 300kbps (kilobit per second) and above. This performance is only sustainable on switched ethernet though (typically departments use shared ethernet). It also puts high processing demands on the playback computer as well as the encoder. The good news is that ethernet switches have come down in price considerably, so if your department will use streaming video or videoconferencing a lot, consider purchasing one (contact networks@uic.edu).

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